Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.

Hampshire Events

2026 is packed full with exciting moments to share, and events to enjoy. This summer the Utilita Bowl near Southampton will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13th –20th June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13th July - 13th September (F). 

For three weekends in June, the streets of Basingstoke town centre will be filled with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class preformances with the Basingstoke Festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary - free to visit (F). Whilst in Alton Hampshire head along to the Jane Austen Regency week which runs from 19th - 28th June and includes the chance to  join Jane Austen's family at Chawton House for a Regency picnic. Look to the skies in July, as the Farnborough International Airshow returns with its public open day on the 24th July 26, offering the chance to see aircraft and flying displays, augmented reality and hands-on activities and exhibits, whilst Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today and make sure you don't miss some of Hampshire top events within your plans.

Spa Day at Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl

What's on in the Hampshire in May, June and July?

Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the up-coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.

What's on in Hampshire today?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Number of results:

Number of results: 172

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Colour Run

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Fareham

    Get Ready to Run, Walk & Dance Through a Rainbow of Colour! ‍♂️ Join us on Sunday 12th July 2026 for an exciting 3K Colour Run at McCarthy's Fruit & Veg Shop, Winchester Road, Wickham, PO17 5HE. This fun-filled event is open to all ages, whether you…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  2. 1940s Weekend at Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    HAVENSTREET

    Enjoy a memorable day of nostalgia for the whole family and be immersed in the sights and sounds of England during the 1940s at this years Isle of Wight Steam Railway 1940's weekend.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. Painting party with The Paint Club at Brewhouse & Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    15 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  4. The British Motor Show 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Farnborough

    The Greatest Show on Wheels is back, bigger and more exciting than ever! The British Motor Show 2026 held at Farnborough International, 21st -23rd August brings you an incredible mix of jaw-dropping cars, thrilling live action, hands-on experiences,…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Aug 2026to23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Whiteley, Fareham

    Make your Sundays better with
    KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
    With on paying adult
    A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.

    To book…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Nov 2025to6 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 21:00
  6. BattleZone Apocalypse Laser Tag with New Forest Activities

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Beaulieu

    The New Forest Activities favourite BattleZone just got a whole lot scarier! Paint the battlefield dead as your ghoulsome troops creep up on the enemy, using infra-red technology guns to spook your way to victory.

    Venue

    New Forest Activities, New Forest

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
  7. Houghton Lodge House Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Stockbridge

    Enjoy a guided house tour of one the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – Houghton Lodge - a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790.

    Venue

    Houghton Lodge Gardens, Test Valley

    Dates

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    25 June 2026
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    28 June 2026
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    26 July 2026
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    2 Aug 2026
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    9 Aug 2026
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    10 Aug 2026to13 Aug 2026
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    31 Aug 2026
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    6 Sept 2026
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    20 Sept 2026
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    4 Oct 2026
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    11 Oct 2026
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    18 Oct 2026
  8. Sandown Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Sandown

    Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!  

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Family entertainment There will be a…

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026
  9. Southampton Mela Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Family

    Southampton

    Running for two decades, the Southampton Mela Festival now attracts around 30,000 thousand people per year from along the South coast to enjoy a fusion of music, dance and family activities, all of an international flavour from world-class artists.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to19 July 2026
  10. Horrible Histories

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    New Forest

    Horrible Histories® bring the Vile Victorians to Beaulieu!
    From 23 May to 31 August follow Rattus, the cheeky rat from Horrible Histories, on a trail around the attraction packed with dreadful discoveries, delightfully disgusting details and plenty…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
  11. Steam to the Solent with Jim Splice and The Main Brace

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment from ‘Jim Splice and The Main Brace’, a four piece band playing songs of the sea. Included in their play list will be some popular songs, including our own ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  12. Cruise from Poole Quay to the Jurassic Coast with the Wareham Whalers Shanty Band

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 11:30 - 16:00
  13. Music in the City

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Southampton

    Music in the City is Southampton’s premier music event celebrating and promoting the wonderful diversity of musical talent within Southampton City for the benefit of all residents and city visitors.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026
  14. Spooky Murder Mystery

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Basingstoke

    Saturday 24th October 2026

    We invite you to a murder mystery night of solving crimes and indulgent dining on Saturday 24th October at Oakley Hall Hotel in Basingstoke, Hampshire! join a cast of classic character for a Country House whodunit in…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 22:30
  15. Summer Evenings at Marwell Zoo

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Winchester

    Explore Marwell Zoo after hours in an intimate after-hours safari, limited to just 60 guests.

    Hosted by members of the Marwell team, visitors will experience the atmosphere of the zoo after hours, with opportunities to meet keepers, hear personal…

    Venue

    Marwell Zoo, Winchester

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026Open 17:30 - 21:00
    From:
    10 July 2026Open 17:30 - 21:00
    From:
    7 Aug 2026Open 17:30 - 21:00
  16. One way trip from Southampton to Poole Harbour with the Shieldhall Stompers Jazz Band

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). Our trip will see us pass the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 17:30
  17. Ventnor Fringe

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to26 July 2026
  18. Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Portsmouth

    SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026to26 July 2026
  19. Beaulieu Supercar Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    New Forest

    Beaulieu Supercar Weekend will return on Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 August 2026. This must-see family spectacular brings some of the world's most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu.

    This event is a must for all supercar enthusiasts, providing an…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to2 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. Curious About Winchester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Close, Winchester

    Have fun (re)discovering Winchester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.

    It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026